The organisers of the Milk Cup youth football tournament have been left “shocked and disappointed” after Manchester United announced they had withdrawn from this year’s competition despite sending written confirmation that they would be competing.
The Red Devils have also confirmed their rising Northern Ireland international defender Paddy McNair would not be attending the draw for the competition which was due to take place this Tuesday.
The draw has now been postponed.
The international festival of youth football will take place at venues across North West venues from 26-31 July,
Brandywell Stadium in Derry hosted games in the competition for the first time last year, including the clash between United and CSKA Moscow.
A statement from Old Trafford said the decision to pull out of this year’s competition was taken after the club had assessed its “pre-season training needs.”
In a brief statement, the Barclays Premiership club said: "After a thorough assessment of the pre-season training needs of the first team and a detailed assessment of the medical impact of that plan on the reserves, Manchester United has decided not to enter a team in the Dale Farm Milk Cup."
Tournament chairman Leonard said the club's decision had come as a "shock".
"We had written confirmation from them that they would be competing and the fact they have gone back on their word is extremely disappointing."
United have supported the tournament for the past 25 years with youth teams featuring youngsters who went on to enjoy phenomenal success at Old Trafford.
Photo shows the Manchester United team, winners of the 1991 Milk Cup Premier (under-16) title. Included are David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and Keith Gillespie.
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